LA CANADA – If Tuesday’s CIF Southern Section Division I boys soccer playoff game was any indication, this might be Millikan’s year.

The Rams (27-3-2) earned a trip to the final with a 3-2 overtime victory at St. Francis that Coach Rod Petkovic called “a lucky win” because of two fluke goals.

With Millikan trailing, 2-1, with 10 minutes remaining in regulation and a Rams throw-in, Petkovic put Jose Ruiz into the game for one play that happens to be his specialty.

Ruiz hurled the ball from the sideline so hard at Knights goalie Jordan Bell, that Bell bobbled the ball and fell backward into his own goal. At that, the game was tied, 2-2.

Four minutes into overtime, Cesar Ramirez took a free kick that deflected off teammate Manuel Espinoza and rolled into the back of the net, setting off an emotional celebration for Millikan and its well-traveled following.

Jose Torres’ goal in the 38th minute evened the game at a goal apiece and seemed to give the Rams the momentum heading into the second half.

Brett McCreary and Eric Verso scored the two St.Francis (16-6-4) goals and Bell had nine saves for the Knights.

“The kids on both sides played hard, but we played at about 20 percent of our capability and were able to get two lucky goals,” Petkovic said. “Even when we were down late, I never doubted we’d come back and win because these kids have so much heart.”

Millikan’s goaltender Jorge Becerra wasn’t real happy with his play, but he was solid enough to help the Rams win a school-record 27th game.

“We just had to play like we did all year to win today,” Becerra said. “When we got shutouts, it was always my defense that should get the credit for that, but today, I should have done better.”

Ruiz had no problem accepting his role for the Rams.

“Yesterday, while everyone else was practicing, I spent the entire time working on throw-ins and it really paid off,” Ruiz said. “I couldn’t believe it when I saw him fall down, but it was awesome.”

Ramirez said he never doubted Millikan would prevail.

“It just seemed like the breaks were all going our way and I know a lot of teams when they’re down late would drop their heads, but we never do that,” Ramirez said.

Millikan will face the winner of today’s Loyola-El Toro semifinal in a championship game Friday or Saturday at a site to be determined.